Gios Compact Pro - any owners or alternatives ?

sophiad
sophiad Posts: 13
edited June 2007 in Workshop
I'm planning on buying a nice steel frame, preferably Italian, for general day rides, cafe runs etc when I'm not training / racing. being a girlie, it must be pretty and a nice colour :)

I really like the look of the Gios Compact Pro, gorgeous frame and nice price. It's not the greatest grade of steel, and heavyish, but I'm told that they're great rides

http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page ... =1&minor=1

Anyone got one ? Don't think I've seen one on the road. Or any alternatives for a similar price ?

Thanks

Comments

  • monty_dogcp
    monty_dogcp Posts: 382
    I've got a Gios Compact as well as an Aerodynamic (Fixed Gear Galley #2901)- both classic Italian steel frames. Although the Compact could never be called 'lightweight' it is an extremely stable and rewarding bike to ride and great for cruising. It is a real classic, my Compact is one of the first dating from 1986 and testimony to the fact that it's pretty well unchanged over 20 years later. One of the things that does make it a little heavier is that the entire frame is chromed and then the painted - leaving the polished head lugs, chainstays and drop-outs. Other alternatives, but probably more pricey include DeRosa, Ciocc and Casati. The great thing is that they are timeless and you don't see too many about - and they should only come in one colour - blue. I expect some crusty will be along shortly to say you should get a Mercian or a Bob Jackson in British racing green - but you want an Alfa Romeo, not a Morris Minor?
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Lovely looking frame, it was on my shortlist but I think I'm going for the Casati Laser. Gios is a great price, Laser is œ1200, so almost double.

    If you can get to Racescene in Sheffield, they have Gios, Casati, Somec and Ciocc. It may be a couple of pund heavier than your race bike, but of you're not racing on it, does it really matter if you're 20 seconds slower to the top of a climb ?

    My bikes - http://flickr.com/photos/82587774@N00/

    I want one of these !! http://www.ciclicasati.it/italiano/foto_laser.htm
  • acorn_user
    acorn_user Posts: 1,137
    Simoncini from cycles Clements in Ledbury could make whatever you wanted. If you needed a cheaper option, they might be a good bet.

    I would want a 2006 Casati Linea Oro though ;)

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